Bethel Woman Seeks Positive Match for Liver Transplant

A Bethel woman is hoping someone with Type O blood would be willing to help save a life by donating part of their liver to her.

Susan Myers is in liver failure and has been in and out of the hospital and nursing homes for the past year, according to a letter sent out by her husband Robert.

“We are seeking a living donor to help save her life. I did volunteer to be a living donor for her but due to my age and other medical conditions, the doctors at Yale New Haven Transplant Center do not feel that I am a viable donor,” her husband said. “We need someone to step forward and volunteer to be a living donor for her.”

The family has shared updates on social media and recently sent a letter to the Town of Bethel’s Town Clerk who posted the following on their Facebook page, written by Robert Myers, Susan’s husband:

“The surgery requires someone who is healthy, of similar build and same blood type to donate a lobe of their liver to her. After a donor has gone through all of the necessary testing and evaluations to deem them an appropriate candidate, approximately 60% of their liver may be removed and placed in Sue. The liver is an amazing organ and capable of regenerating itself. Once the lobe is removed from the donor, their liver in a short time will regenerate itself inside the donor’s body becoming whole again. As for Sue, her entire liver must be removed and the donated lobe that is given to her will also regenerate itself inside Susie’s body, in turn this will save her life. This does require major surgery and 6-8 weeks of recovery. The surgery and all medical work up before and after will be covered by our Health Insurance Provider. It is illegal to pay someone to donate an organ. However If the donor is from out of state we are permitted to help pay for their transportation and lodging, etc. for them to be tested and if they are a viable donor for them to return to Connecticut for the surgery. If you or someone you know wants to Help save a life please consider helping to save Susie’s life.”

Candidates for the transplant must meet the following requirements:

• Be in good general health
• Between the ages of 18 and 55 (55-60 on case by case status)
• Be Type O positive

Susan shared that patients who need a new liver have their “MELD” score calculated monthly. Hers has been fluctuating between 19 and 22.

“I am much sicker than most people are with my score. By the time I reach 30 I will be very sick (like ICU sick) I will likely be too sick/weak to survive surgery,” she said.

For more information to donate, please contact the Yale New Haven Transplant Center Referral line 866-925-3897.

Photo: Susan Myers via Facebook